Visit Bellevue’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Destination Awards

Visit Bellevue’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Destination Awards took center stage yesterday during National Travel & Tourism Week, bringing together 200 hospitality industry partners and stakeholders to reflect on a landmark year of progress at the Meydenbauer Center. This year’s theme, “Pioneering Growth & Resilience,” echoed throughout the program, which celebrated Bellevue’s growing visitor economy, presented an update to the Destination Development Plan (DDP), unveiled a new strategic brand direction, and honored local visionaries shaping the city’s future as a world-class travel destination.  

Emceed by sports broadcaster Jen Mueller, the program opened with a dynamic Taiko drumming performance by CHIKIRI & The School of Taiko, and remarks from Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. 

2024 Successes: A Record-Setting Year 

Visit Bellevue Executive Director Brad Jones shared key highlights with a powerful tourism impact report:  

• Bellevue welcomed 2.2 million overnight visitors, which generated $127 million in state and local taxes which offset $1,200 per household, and totaling $1.9 billion in total economic impact 

• Bellevue’s 2024 citywide hotel revenue was $272 million, registering a 19% increase 

• Destination Sales contracted over 75,156 room nights, generated 295,000 room night leads, and supported 20 major events through Festival Incubator funding, which generated 26,400 room nights and $28 million in visitor spending 

• Marketing generated 970 million total marketing impressions, with 24 million social impressions, and 701,000 engagements 

• Public relations generated 138 placements, which produced $6.7 million in earned media value 

• Website traffic saw a 183% increase, with over 630,000 unique sessions 

• BellHop served over over 150,000 passengers, saving 12,000 gallons of fuel 

• The Mobile Welcome Center reached over 26,000 visitors 

“These aren’t just numbers — they’re signals of growth, adaptation, and resilience,” said Jones. “Bellevue’s visitor economy continues to thrive because of the innovation, collaboration, and passion from the people in this room.” 

What’s Next: A New Brand and Bold Campaigns 

The program included the debut of Visit Bellevue’s refreshed destination brand and a sneak peek at its upcoming website redesign, introduced by Greg Carson and John Bailey of creative agency 62Above. These updates reflect Bellevue’s evolving identity as a modern, connected, and culturally rich destination. 

Chris Fair, President & CEO of Resonance, introduced the city’s updated Destination Development Plan, which will guide long-term growth through placemaking, strategic branding, and sustainable tourism investment. 

Visit Bellevue’s Megan Adams and Trey Jackson announced the new Bellevue Bound podcast series in a live, unrecorded episode, which previewed major new initiatives including: 

• The launch of a dedicated Destination Stewardship Department focused on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusive tourism 

• The Radiant Table, a chef-driven summer showcase in partnership with SE Productions 

• Season 2 of Bellevue Eats with Chef Shota Nakajima 

• Bellevue’s first Culinary Guide, launching in fall 2025 

• Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Eastside Light Rail expansion 

A Global Perspective 

Keynote speaker Tom Turcich, who became the tenth person to walk around the world, shared moving reflections on connection, endurance, and the everyday beauty he encountered during his 28,000-mile, seven-year journey. Attendees also had a chance to win signed copies of his new book, The World Walk. 

Honoring Industry Trailblazers 

The program concluded with the 2025 Bellevue Destination Awards, recognizing local excellence in hospitality and tourism: 

• Convention of the Year: Lenovo Tech World 

• Best Marketing Campaign: Sound Transit’s Discover the 2 Line 

• Event of the Year: Japan Fair 

• Outstanding Individual: Mintay Selewondim, Bellevue Airport Shuttle

• Rising Star: Sam Wang, Founder of Mirra 

• Business of the Year: Takai by Kashiba 

Jones closed the event with a call to action for continued leadership and collaboration: 

“Let’s keep pioneering growth. Let’s keep practicing resilience. And let’s keep showing the world that Bellevue is setting the pace.” 

For more information on Visit Bellevue’s strategic initiatives, tourism programs, and visitor planning tools, visit visitbellevuewa.com.